A season of prayer for peace on the Korean Peninsula

Mark Koenig

June 25th marked the beginning of the Korea War as understood in South Korea. Please join the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (PC(USA)) and the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) in a season of prayer for peace, justice, and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula from now until August 15th, the day Korea was liberated from the Japanese occupation of WWII.

Pray for peace on the Korean Peninsula and to engage in a season of prayer and reflection from June 25 (the date the Korean War began in 1950) through August 15 (the date Korea was liberated from Japanese occupation in 1945).

For the people of the PCK, this season of prayer will be a time to remember the suffering of separated families on the Korean Peninsula; and to acknowledge that, since the partition of the peninsula, the Christian commitment to reconciliation has been compromised by the trauma of a fratricidal war; discipleship compromised by bitterness; and faithfulness compromised by fear and hostility.

For the people of the PC(USA), this season of prayer will be a time to reflect critically on how the division of the Korean Peninsula, the unended Korean War, and the separation of families have harmed the Korean people and on what the historical roles of the United States have been in relation to the Korean Peninsula; and to call the United States government to implement a policy of peaceful engagement in relation to Korea.

For the people of both churches, this will be a time to deepen their commitment to work for healing, reconciliation, and peaceful reunification that will create a culture of peace in Korea and all of North East Asia.

Resources to guide prayers and to learn about partnership between Presbyterians in Korea and the United States include: